IS THE STEPPING TEST A SPECIFIC INDICATOR OF VEST VESTIBULOSPINAL FUNCTION

We studied the effect of walking on a horizontally rotating disk (circular treadmill) on the stepping test in seven normal subjects. Subjects walked for 2 hours on the perimeter of the treadmill with eyes open while remaining stationary in space. Then, off the treadmill, they attempted to step in place with eyes closed for 50 paces without turning. All subjects exhibited post-treadmill turning in the same direction as that of the previous walking relative to the treadmill. Post-treadmill average angular velocities were 207 to 880 deg/min greater than pretreadmill values. No subject experienced any sensation of motion relative to grounder space. The stepping test may no longer be considered a specific indicator of vestibulospinal function.